Credit by Examination Information

The University of the Incarnate Word awards credit based upon the concept that learning
may be acquired from different sources of knowledge. For this reason, we recognize
various examinations through which students may demonstrate their proficiency with
the content tested. The following regulations/policies apply toward the awarding of
credits based upon examination:

Credit by Examination Policy:

A maximum of 30 semester credit hours may be earned through examination, professional
certification, prior learning experience, or in combination with correspondence work
(which is limited to 12 semester hours).

Credit granted through examinations may not be used to fulfill residency requirements
for associate or baccalaureate degrees.

Credit may not be granted when the examination duplicates University credits previously
earned or when the student has credit for courses at a more advanced level than that
of the examination.

Students may not attempt the examination if the student has a recorded grade (to include
a W) for a course equivalent to the test

Students may not attempt the examination if the student has a failing grade, a grade
of D, or a withdrawal in a prerequisite to the course equivalent to the test.

Credit earned by examination will be posted to the student’s academic record after
the student enrolls for credit at the University of the Incarnate Word. If an unsatisfactory
score is achieved, the examination is not reflected on the student’s academic record.

An examination may be attempted no more than twice. No test may be repeated until
a minimum of three months has elapsed between each attempt.

The type of examination, course title, and credit hours awarded and a grade of S will
be recorded. No other grades will be recorded.

Credits earned through examination are counted as “transfer” work and do not satisfy
residency requirements, either for the major or institutional.

Credit by examination may not be earned during the semester in which the student intends
to graduate.

Follow the links below for the cut-off scores and equivalent course for each specific
examination.

Advanced Placement (AP)

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is sponsored by the College Board and offers secondary
school students the opportunity to participate in challenging university-level course
work with the potential of receiving university credit. UIW requires a minimum score
of "3" for credit. Official score reports should be sent to the Registrar, who will
evaluate the report and determine the amount of credit to be awarded. In most cases,
the ACE recommendation will be used. However, AP tests are under constant evaluation
and scores are subject to change according to the evaluation period.

Challenge Examinations

Only students enrolled in a degree program at the University are eligible to apply
for challenge examinations. These examinations may be taken only if approved by the
faculty member who will administer the test and the Dean with oversight of the discipline
involved. The examination may be taken only once and must be complete with a minimum
grade of C (a grade of P will be recorded if the minimum is achieved). Challenge Examination
application forms are available at this link and in the Registrar's Office. The fee,
40% of the tuition for the course being challenged, is payable in advance.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides two types of examinations--General
Examinations and Subject Examinations that are available in a variety of disciplines.
Students interested in taking these examinations should contact personnel in the Testing
Center for information regarding costs, testing dates, and procedures for having test
scores submitted for consideration for credit. Standards for satisfactory credit are
set by the University faculty in each discipline area and may be higher that the ACE
recommendations. CLEP tests are under constant evaluation and scores are subject to
change according to the evaluation period.

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)

The Subject Standardized Tests are provided by DANTES. These are an extensive series
of examinations in university subjects that are comparable to the final or end-of-course
examination in particular undergraduate courses. Students should contact personnel
in the Testing Center for more information regarding these examinations and the test
dates. Credits are not awarded for all test subjects. DANTES tests are under constant
evaluation and scores are subject to change according to the evaluation period.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The University of the Incarnate Word will grant up to 24 semester hours of credit
to students who successfully complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
and receive a score of 4 or higher. Non-IB diploma holders may receive credit based
upon receiving a score of 4 or higher on the higher-level exams.